Austrian Residence Permit, Permanent Residence, and Citizenship: A Comprehensive Guide to Relocation and Investment

Austria has become a key destination for immigrants, offering stability, high social standards, and openness to the world. One in five people in this Alpine republic has foreign roots, and this figure continues to grow.

The appeal of a country that is part of the European Union and the Schengen Area extends to a variety of people, from Ukrainians seeking asylum to investors who see it as a safe place to live and invest.

This article provides a complete guide from the initial temporary residence permit to obtaining a passport and residence permit in Austria, with a focus on the latest legal changes.

A residence permit (RP) in Austria is a document that legalizes long-term residence in the country for citizens of countries outside the EU, EEA, and Switzerland.

It is typically issued for a period of one year, with the possibility of renewal. The holder of a residence permit gains the right to reside in Austria, and in most cases, also to study and pursue professional activities ( within certain limits ).

The Austrian residence permit is divided into types depending on the reason for moving .

Families of residence permit holders may be joined by their spouse and children (under 18) under the "family community" (Familiengemeinschaft), subject to financial obligations.

Renewal of the residence permit is subject to fulfilling key requirements for the initial application. For example, to obtain a student residence permit in Austria, one must provide evidence of continuing education (for example, successfully passing exams for a certain number of credits), while employed professionals must meet established criteria (income level, job security, etc.).
Possession of a residence permit opens employment opportunities. For example, students have the right to work up to 20 hours per week without obtaining separate permission from the employment service.
Family members of a residence permit holder (spouse and minor children) are entitled to family reunification under the "family community" (Familiengemeinschaft). A mandatory requirement for this is proof of financial security of the host.

Specific considerations for Ukrainians. Austria has simplified the rules for Ukrainian citizens since February 2022, introducing a special status—temporary protection.

Ukrainians can legally reside in Austria (confirmed by a special ID card) until at least March 2027. Although this is not a regular residence permit for Ukrainians, but a special status (and there is no need to apply for asylum), it effectively provides the same opportunities: living, working, and studying in Austria on an equal basis with local residents.

The main thing is to register with the police on time and obtain a special ID. This ID allows you to work without any additional permits, study at universities, access healthcare, and receive social benefits.

As I often explain to my clients, even a basic knowledge of German significantly increases your chances of success in Austria. Not only does it open doors to more attractive job openings and rental housing, but it also gives you confidence in dealing with official authorities.

In summary, a residence permit serves as the foundation for legal residence in the country, whether for career, education, business, or family reunification. The key to success lies in thoroughly understanding the requirements of your chosen category. Let's take a closer look.

One common way to move to Austria is to enroll in a local university. A student residence permit is available for this purpose. The main requirement is acceptance into a university, applied college, or teacher training college.

To obtain this status, you will need three main documents:

• Invitation from an educational institution.
• Medical insurance.
• Proof that you have money to live in the country.

In 2025, students will need to prove their financial means to be approximately €703 per month for those under 24, and approximately €1,274 for those over 24. This amount must cover the annual cost of living and be deposited in an account or secured in another reliable manner.

Students are allowed to work part-time for up to 20 hours per week. Although employers must obtain a special permit ("Beschäftigungsbewilligung"), it is issued without complex checks.

Thanks to these conditions, finding part-time work is quite easy. Furthermore, universities often have services that help students with employment and internships.

Upon completion of their studies, graduates are entitled to a one-time extension of their residence permit for a period of 12 months for the purpose of finding work or starting a business.

This transition period (grace period) allows you to adapt to the conditions of the labour market and obtain the necessary documents, such as the RWR-Karte for graduates or other work permits.

The strategy of obtaining an education and subsequently finding employment has proven its effectiveness in practice. Master's degree graduates have the right to stay in the country for up to a year to find employment that matches their qualifications, with subsequent transfer to a work residence permit.

A key benefit of a student residence permit is the opportunity for family reunification. A spouse and minor children can obtain a residence permit under the "family community" category, which allows adults to work and children access to local education.

Thus, a student visa not only serves the purpose of obtaining an education, but also becomes a platform for further integration, allowing students to learn the language, establish professional contacts, and adapt to life in Austria during their studies.

Austrian law recognizes family reunification as an important legal basis for entry. Family members of a foreign resident are entitled to apply for a residence permit through mechanisms such as a "family community" ( Familiengemeenschaft ) or long-term family reunification. The term "family" here refers to spouses, registered partners (in eingetragene Lebenspartnerschaft), and children under 18.

The right to family reunification is granted to a sponsor (holder of a temporary residence permit, permanent residence permit, or citizenship) provided they are 21 years of age or older and have a stable status.
Categories such as Austrian citizens, permanent residence permit holders (Settlement Permit), RWR-Karte, or Blue Card holders are free to invite their spouses and children, without being limited by quotas, provided they meet standard requirements (finances, housing, insurance).

At the same time, holders of standard temporary residence permits (for example, for study or work) can still apply for family reunification. A key change, introduced in 2025, is a temporary ban on family reunification for most foreigners with refugee status or subsidiary protection.

This means that family members of persons who received asylum or subsidiary protection after the start of the war cannot use this procedure until September 2026, based on a government decision.

Documents:

• statement from the sponsor
• documents confirming family ties (for example, a marriage certificate or birth certificate)
• confirmation of the sponsor's financial solvency - income must significantly exceed the established minimum
• confirmation of the sponsor's permanent residence

The exact list of conditions depends on the specific situation; detailed information can be found on the oesterreich.gv .

Processing times for marriage-based residence permit applications can vary from several months to a year, especially if the category requires a quota.

A key point is quotas: for most foreigners, the number of family reunification permits is limited, and the government sets these limits annually. The exception is Austrian citizens and permanent residence permit holders or RWR-Karte holders—they can invite family members without any quota restrictions.

As stated, people with refugee status or temporary protection are currently prohibited from applying for family reunification – this government decision was made in March 2025.

For example, if a Ukrainian has received asylum or temporary protection, their spouse will not be able to come under the reunification procedure until the ban is lifted. The authorities explain this by the overload of state systems due to the large influx of migrants.

Ukrainians with an "ID card for displaced persons" can come to the country to study or work, and later, upon meeting the necessary requirements, obtain a residence permit for family reasons.

Family reunification remains available to all other foreigners

• It is necessary to confirm the availability of housing for the spouse and children (for example, with a rental agreement)
• the income of the person inviting the family must be at least €2,009 for a couple

The official name of permanent residence in Austria is “ Daueraufenthalt – EU ” (permanent residence according to the European model).

This is an indefinite status: the holder of a permanent residence permit does not need to regularly renew the permit, and there are no restrictions on employment. In essence, a permanent residence permit provides rights comparable to those of EU citizens to relocate and work.

The main requirement is permanent residence in Austria for at least five years . During this period, the applicant must reside in the country legally and without any significant interruptions.

In addition, integration requirements must be met: in particular, demonstrating knowledge of the German language at level B1 (as part of the second module of the integration agreement) and having basic knowledge of the Austrian democratic system.

In addition, you will need to confirm that you have a stable income and a permanent place of residence.

In other words, you must first reside in Austria on a work or study visa before applying for permanent residence. Holders of such permits are considered already integrated into the economy and are therefore eligible for permanent residence.

After successfully obtaining the "Daueraufenthalt - EU" residence permit, you gain the permanent right to live in the country and work without restrictions. You decide where to live and what to do—from running your own business to working for someone else.

Permanent residence also provides extensive social protection: for example, the opportunity to receive benefits and privileges on an equal basis with citizens, the right to social housing and an old-age pension.

Exceptions. Refugees who have lived under protection for five years may also receive permanent residence (unless their status has been revoked).

Interruption of Residence. Permanent residence permits require a minimum of six months of uninterrupted residence in Austria. If you are absent from the country for an extended period (over a year), the countdown starts over. Blue Card holders have slightly more lenient requirements—they can stay outside the EEA for up to eighteen months.

Processing times. The process typically takes 3 to 6 months. The application is submitted to the local office (Bezirkshauptmannschaft, in Vienna – MA35) approximately 3 months before the current permit expires.

Permanent residency ≠ citizenship. Obtaining permanent residency does not change citizenship; Austria requires renunciation of previous citizenship when applying for citizenship (dual citizenship is only possible in exceptional cases). Nevertheless, permanent residency remains an important step toward a stable life in the country.

Obtaining Austrian citizenship is the longest, but also the most prestigious, step. The main methods of obtaining citizenship include naturalization through long-term residence, marriage, and investment naturalization for outstanding achievements.

For ordinary immigrants, the standard period is 10 years of legal residence in the country (approximately 5 years of temporary residence plus 5 years of permanent residence). The last 5 years before applying must be spent with a permanent residence permit. When applying for citizenship, you must provide:

• proof of financial independence (permanent income or pension for the last 3 years)
• impeccable behavior (no criminal record)
• knowledge of German at level B1
• Basic knowledge of Austria (history and law exam)
• proof of a real intention to live in the country (availability of housing, work, family)
• renunciation of previous citizenship (in general)

The number of applications for Austrian citizenship remains relatively low, as the 10-year residency requirement discourages many. According to Statistika Austria , approximately 13,000 people received citizenship in 2024, representing a 9.6% increase over 2023. The most common countries for new citizens are:

• former Yugoslavia
• Turkey
• Romania
• Germany
• Ukraine

At the beginning of 2024, the majority of those who received citizenship were adult men and women (98%), while the share of children and adolescents from migrant families was only 31%.

If you are married to an Austrian citizen, the process can be expedited: as a rule, after 6 years of marriage and 5 years of cohabitation, you become eligible to apply for citizenship under simplified rules ( Verlängerung der Verleihung ).

There's little publicly available information, but the main requirement is this: both partners must be self-sufficient and involved in public life during the marriage. Residence in Austria must also be permanent, with no long-term departures or serious violations of the rules.

In such situations, exceptions are often made and the renunciation of existing citizenship is not required, as family reunification is involved. However, dual citizenship is officially discouraged in Austria and is permitted only in exceptional cases, primarily for historical reasons.

Austria does not have a standard program for obtaining permanent residence or citizenship by investment, as is the case in many other countries. However, the law does provide for the possibility of granting citizenship in special cases where it is deemed beneficial to the state.

We're talking about truly large investments—for example, funding state or national projects worth tens of millions of euros. In practice, this could amount to a donation of around €10-15 million or more, including investments in special state development funds.

Such situations are very rare and are considered on a case-by-case basis. This is not a set program, but rather an exceptional measure, decided upon by government agencies at their sole discretion.

For people with refugee status or who have received protection in Austria, the period for obtaining citizenship remains the same: 10 years of residence in the country with legal status.

A separate simplified procedure is provided for the descendants of victims of Nazism or communist regimes: for example, the heirs of Nazi victims can apply for Austrian citizenship under a special legal provision.

Standard rules apply to Ukrainian citizens: the path to Austrian citizenship opens only after obtaining permanent residency or refugee status. Temporary protection alone does not grant the right to a passport.

Many Ukrainians seek naturalization for long-term residency, but the basic requirements remain unchanged: 10 years of residence in the country (or less if married to an Austrian). Due to the war, Austria provided a number of benefits, such as the right to work and study, but did not simplify the process of obtaining permanent residency or citizenship.

Although the media occasionally raises the topic of possible simplification specifically for Ukrainians, no specific rules have yet been introduced at the legislative level.

Austria has a rule: upon receiving citizenship, one is generally required to renounce one's previous passport. Exceptions are made only in certain cases—for example, for a child born to a child, for people who held Austrian citizenship from birth, or for those naturalized as victims of political persecution.

Therefore, when planning to obtain an Austrian passport, it's important to remember that you'll likely have to renounce your Ukrainian (or other) citizenship if the authorities don't deem it necessary to retain it "in the interests of the state." This is an important decision that should be approached with great care.

Austria has special categories of visas and residence permits designed for wealthy individuals who do not intend to take up paid employment, as well as for entrepreneurs and investors.

Red-Weiß-Rot-Karte system in Austria was created to attract skilled professionals and entrepreneurs. If you're investing in the Austrian economy—for example, starting a company or startup—you can apply for an RWR-Card for self-employed highly skilled professionals.

This permit is granted provided the business plan is deemed viable and beneficial to the country's economy (for example, by creating jobs or promoting innovation). After several years of successful operation (usually around three years), the RWR card can be exchanged for a permanent residence permit.

Regarding investors: There is no official “investment visa” in Austria, but many foreigners obtain residency through the RWR card for entrepreneurs or through the Niederlassungsbewilligung – Forscher (for scientific projects).

As for citizenship by investment, Austria does not have such a mechanism. It's worth noting that the only schemes that exist under the guise of "exceptional citizenship programs" or "status purchase" are illegal ones, which are effectively criminal offenses.

There are no legal options other than those listed above. Therefore, investing in Austria is best viewed as a way to develop a business, which will ultimately lead to increased labor market demand and the possibility of obtaining an expedited RWR card.

In general, for wealthy individuals and investors, the path to Austria can be described as follows:

• With an income of approximately €3,000-4,000 per month, it is possible to apply for Niederlassungsbewilligung "without work" (not through an employer)
• If you are planning a business, it is worth getting an RWR card for the self-employed, investing in start-ups, hotels or company branches and creating jobs
• After 5 years, you can apply for permanent residence, and after another 5 years (if desired), for citizenship
• In the case of very large capital investments (tens of millions), one can count on recognition of “special services” to Austria, but there are no guarantees here

So, Austria attracts financially independent individuals with its high standard of living and stable environment. However, there are no simple schemes like "residency for €200,000," as in some other countries. The process is more rigorous, requiring either a proven significant passive income or the launch of a significant business.

Austrian immigration laws are constantly being updated in response to global developments and domestic needs. Below are some of the most recent changes:

Stricter integration regulations. Since 2021-2022, the "Integration Agreement"—a set of modules on the German language and social foundations—has been in effect for immigrants. Currently, to obtain permanent residence or citizenship, you must complete the second module (German B1).

Previously, only a basic level of A2 was required. For new applicants, the English-language exam will no longer be considered as a substitute for the German exam.

Halting family relocation for refugees. In March 2025, the government suspended family reunification for people granted asylum. This means refugees and persons under temporary protection will not be able to bring their loved ones back until September 2026 (with a possible extension if necessary).

According to the authorities, this measure is temporary and is due to "system overload": in 2023-2024, approximately 18,000 people, mostly children, entered Russia through family quotas. This change facilitates entry for migrants without family (for work or study), but creates difficulties for those who planned to settle with relatives.

Financial requirements updated. Effective January 1, 2025, Austria has changed its minimum income requirements for all types of residence permits. For example, for "no state support" status (for permanent residence, permanent residence permit, and other cases), a minimum income of €1,273.99 per month per person is now required.

This amount corresponds to the ASVG (social assistance) level and is approximately double the 2010–2020 levels. Only actual current income is taken into account; future benefits are not included. In practice, this means that applicants must earn between €1,600 and €2,000 net per month or own a business with an annual income of approximately €50,000–60,000.

Tightening the rules for counting residence. New rules have been introduced for interrupting the five-year period for permanent residence: short visits of up to six months continue to be counted, while longer interruptions reset the count. This is especially important for non-residents and those leading a dual lifestyle. Selling a business does not require an extended absence from the country.

Overall, the trend is as follows: Austria is facilitating access for those who benefit the country (skilled workers, investors), but is tightening rules for social categories (refugees, family reunification of migrants).

Experts predict that in the future, requirements for German language proficiency and integration courses may be tightened, and the list of professions in demand in the country may be more precisely defined.

The journey to Austria begins not at the airport, but behind a desk full of paperwork. It's a jigsaw puzzle of certificates, stamps, and finding a place to stay in a foreign country. Guiding clients through these steps, I've realized: a solid foundation of prepared documents and well-thought-out steps is the best insurance against culture shock.

Preparing documents. When preparing for your move to Austria, you should begin by getting your documents in order. Make sure you have all the necessary documents translated into German and notarized.

For non-EU countries, an apostille will also be required. We recommend preparing several certified copies of key documents in advance: birth certificates, marriage certificates, educational diplomas, and certificates of no criminal record.

Banking and finances. It's best to open an account with an Austrian bank after arriving, but prepare the necessary documents in advance: your passport and proof of address. To check your funds, it's recommended to withdraw money immediately at a branch.

When first visiting, I often recommend choosing Raiffeisen or Oberbank—these banks are convenient for foreigners and offer English-language support. Keep in mind that many banks ask for proof of connection with the employer or the existence of an account when opening a salary account.

Housing. Finding housing requires advance planning. We recommend using specialized online platforms such as Wohnnet .

Rental prices vary significantly: in Vienna, they average €15-20 per square meter, while in Graz or Innsbruck, prices are more affordable. A formal rental agreement (Mietvertrag) is crucial, as any verbal agreements are not legally binding.

Language. Knowledge of German is essential for a comfortable life in Austria. Start with even simple phrases. Free lessons are provided by the ÖIF (Integration Fund). To obtain permanent residence or citizenship in Austria, you must pass the B1 level exam.

Work. First, it's worth contacting the AMS (Arbeitsmarktservice). There you can find not only job openings but also free educational programs. Specialists in medicine, IT, engineering, and construction are especially in demand right now. The Austrian resume has its own characteristics: it must include a photo, precise dates of training, and work experience. A clear structure and neatness are valued here.

School and Family. The Austrian education system provides free schooling, but there is a shortage of places in preschools (Kinderkrippe, Kindergarten). It is recommended to register for a place immediately upon arrival.

The school day in primary school lasts approximately four hours, while in secondary school it lasts up to six hours, with a wide range of extracurricular activities available. A key aspect of adaptation is mastering the German language, for which special support programs are available.

Healthcare. Having health insurance in Austria is mandatory. Typically, it is arranged by the employer. Those arriving without an employment contract must purchase private health insurance (Krankenanschrift) for the initial period.

Culture and integration. Austria is all about precision and discipline. It's important to recycle, respect your neighbors, and address people formally as "Sie." But it's also easy to fall in love with the café tradition and the numerous street festivals.

To help you navigate the bureaucracy, here's a quick guide to common situations:

Residence permit (e.g. student, work, family):

Permanent residence permit (PR):

Citizenship:

Immigration to Austria is a sequential process consisting of several stages. The first step is obtaining a temporary residence permit (TRP) based on study, work, or entrepreneurship. After several years of legal residence and successful integration, you can apply for permanent residency status (PR).

The final step is citizenship, which requires passing a language and integration exam, as well as renouncing the previous passport.

Each stage takes considerable time: approximately five years to obtain permanent residency and more than ten years to obtain a passport. The key to success is thorough preparation: learning the language, obtaining documents, insurance, and financial guarantees in advance. Systematic work transforms bureaucratic obstacles into a manageable process.